Houston Astros Interested in Acquiring All-Star Pitcher at Trade Deadline

The Houston Astros are looking to add first time All-Star pitcher Michael Lorenzen at the MLB Trade Deadline

The Houston Astros have made it clear they're going to be aggressive ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline on August 1st.

They've been linked to two of the biggest names on the Chicago Cubs and are clearly looking to upgrade their pitching rotation.

Now, MLB Insider Jon Morosi is reporting that the Astros have interest in acquiring first time All-Star pitcher Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers.

The right handed pitcher is having his best year as a starter at the major league level. In 17 starts, he's posted a 5-6 record with a 3.49 ERA. Lorenzen has throw just under 19 scoreless innings in his last three starts.

Despite sitting with a 44-52 record entering Friday, the Tigers have not decided if they will be sellers at the deadline because they're five games out of first place in the AL Central.

Lorenzen will enter the offseason as a free agent so there's a possibility that he could be dealt to get back prospects regardless of their standing in the division.

Houston has dealt with a shaky pitching situation all season.

Last year's starting pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are out for the year, while Jose Urquidy continues to stay on the IL.

If Detroit decides to trade Lorenzen, this is the time to do it. His stock has never been higher and the market is actively looking for pitching. They'll be able to get a return on a player most likely leaving in the offseason.

The right hander has experience as both a starter and a reliever.

The Astros are looking for starting pitching help right now, but could use Lorenzen's pitching flexibility in multiple ways in the postseason.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

• Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Houston Astros?
• Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
• Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
• Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
• Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
• Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
• Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
• Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
• Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?